Perspectives on the Continuous Medication Monitoring Function of Pharmacies in the Community Health Care System: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the perceived importance of various pharmacy functions among residents in the community health care system. Methods: We conducted an online survey of nationwide panelists enrolled by a research company to assess the perceived degree of importance of having a pharmacy that performs various functions in the community health care system (i.e., “comprehensive importance”). Results: “Comprehensive importance” was compared among 2,400 respondents disaggregated into several groups. The results revealed that “encouragement for medical consultations at medical institutions” had a strong effect on “comprehensive importance”. Conclusion: The results of this survey highlight the need for preventive medical care and a further expansion of the consultation function at pharmacies in the future.